Drive Safely This Labor Day & Razorback Season

 

Here at On Time Logistics we’re pretty adamant about safety. We want our contract couriers, our staff, our customers, and our community at large to be safe on the road. The upcoming Labor Day weekend is a time when many people celebrate the unofficial end of summer by boating, grilling and traveling.

And don’t forget, this weekend kicks off the Razorback football season so even more people will be on the road in Northwest Arkansas than most holiday weekends.

Drive sober or get pulled over

First, we want to talk about the incredibly serious issue of driving under the influence.  This is important whether you are on water or on the road. The official “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign started in Arkansas on Aug. 1 and runs for 17 days. According to the Arkansas State Police, law enforcement officers in Arkansas will reinforce their patrol assignments aimed with the purpose of arresting drunk drivers. Law enforcement will also increase in sobriety checkpoints; and media messages designed to educate everyone about the dangers of drunk driving will also be more prevalent.
We at On Time Logistics completely support these efforts. Anyone who drives under the influence of drugs or alcohol are a danger to themselves, others, and property. National statistical records indicate more than 123 people who died in Arkansas crashes last year. That’s more than 123 too many.

What is considered drunk driving? Driving with a BAC of .08 or higher is illegal in every state.

Impaired violators risk potential jail time, losing their driver license, ordered to install (at their own expense) ignition interlocks on their vehicles, and perform court-ordered community service. There are additional financial considerations including higher auto insurance rates, attorney fees, court costs, lost time at work, and the potential loss of job or job prospects.

Stay Safe on the Road this Labor DaySafety on the road

Unfortunately, it doesn’t take a drunk driver to cause an accident. Distracted and tired driving are incredibly dangerous and potentially life threatening if the practice leads to a crash. As you travel during the holiday weekend, don’t drive if you are tired or feel sick. We also encourage you to obey the law regarding not texting and driving or using the Internet while driving. It’s not just the law, it’s common safety sense.
Here are a few safety tips we have that you should follow at any time of year, but especially during the extra busy holiday travel times:

• Set your GPS ahead of time because it’s neither safe or legal to reset while driving.
• If you’re tired or don’t feel well, pull over and rest. Change drivers if possible.
• Give motorcyclists just as much space if not more that you would give a car.
• Be mindful of big rigs and give them plenty of space. If you can’t see their mirrors, they can’t see you.
• Allow extra time for extra traffic and the planned sobriety checkpoints (or construction zones). Keep your cool if you get delayed.

 

Safety on the water

Labor Day weekend is one of the three busiest times on lakes and rivers. Here are some other tips from the Army Corp of Engineers to help keep you and your loved ones safe:

Swimming:

• Wear a well-fitting life jacket. Having one in the boat and not on the person does no good.
• Learn to swim.
• Watch your children at all times, and put a life jacket on them.
• Never dive into lakes or rivers. You can’t tell what is at the bottom that could make the area not as deep as you think.
• Never rely on inner tubes, water wings or other toys to stay afloat.
• Don’t over-estimate your swimming skills.
• Throw a floatation device to help someone in trouble. Don’t go in the water. They could easily panic and pull you both under.
• Swim only in designated areas.
• Never swim alone, even if you’re an experienced swimmer.

Boating:

• Wear your life jacket
• Know your boat and know the rules of the water.
• Have all required safety equipment for your boat.
• Don’t overload the boat.
• Check the weather forecast, and check flow conditions if boating on a river.
• Post a sharp lookout and add even more care at night.
• File a float plan with family or friends who are not on the vessel.

No matter what you’re doing, we hope that you and your family stay safe during Labor Day weekend!